G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
26 February  2020 
(20-1477) Page: 1/14 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  French  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS UND ER 
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM M ADAGASCAR  
Addendum  
The following communication, dated 21 February 2 020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Madagascar for Members' information.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up on the notification of 22 February 2 019 (G/TFA/N/MDG/1 /Add.1 ), the Republic of 
Madagascar hereby  notifies that , in accordance with  Article 19 .1 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement , 
the following provisions  have been shifted between categories . 
For ease of reference , Madagascar's full list of category commitments can be found in the attached 
table. 
 
 Provision  Heading /description  Category previously 
notified as  Category shifted to  
Article 6 .1 General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with Importation 
and Exportation  B C 
Article 6 .2 Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for 
Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and Exportation  B C   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
- 2 - 
 
Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1. 1 Publication  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Legal framework for the 
publication of information on 
import/export procedures . 
- Training for technicians on online 
publication procedures . 
- Provision of ultra -fast broadband 
for all ministries and control 
agencies, and the Permanent 
Secretariat of the National 
Committee on Trade Facilitation 
(CNFE) . 
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control and 
inspection agencies . 
Article 1.2  Information Available Through Internet  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Legal framework for the creation 
and operation of the portal and the 
establishment of a database . 
- Establishment of a comprehensive 
tariff database and a trade 
information portal . 
- Recruitment of a consultancy firm 
to conduct a feasibility study and 
establish a comprehensive tariff 
database and a trade information 
portal . 
- Purchase of the new ICT 
equipment and software needed to 
establish a comprehensive tariff 
database and a trade information 
portal . 
- Establishment of a technical team 
of qualified resource persons to 
manage the portal and a technical 
team to manage the 
comprehensive tariff database . 
- Provision of IT equipment, office 
space and furniture for the specific 
teams . 
- Subsidy for the provision of 
ultra-fast broadb and for all   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
ministries and control agencies, 
and the Permanent Secretariat of 
the CNFE . 
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control and 
inspection agencies that will 
communicate relevant information 
for publication . 
- Maintenance of the new ICT 
material obtained . 
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Legal framework for the 
establishment of trade enquiry 
points . 
- Provision of ultra -fast broadband 
for all ministries and control 
agencies, and the Permanent 
Secretariat of the CNFE . 
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control and 
inspection agencies . 
- Establishment of a technical team 
of qualified resource persons to 
manage t he enquiry points . 
- Provision of IT equipment, office 
space and furniture for the 
dedicated team.  
- Subsidy for the provision of 
ultra-fast broadband for all 
ministries and control agencies . 
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control and 
inspect ion agencies that will 
communicate relevant information 
for publication . 
- Maintenance of the new ICT 
material obtained .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
- 4 - 
 
Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1.4  Notification  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Capacity building for the 
Permanent Secretariat of the CNFE 
with regard to notifications . 
- Provision of new ICT material for 
the Permanent Secretariat of the 
CNFE  that will make it possible to 
collect, centralize and send 
notifications and raise awareness 
in the departments concerned . 
Article 2  Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force and Consultations  
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
before Entry into Force  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Implementation of an effective 
prior consultation service provided 
online and by telephone to address 
comments on draft legislation or 
regulations on exports and imports 
before their entry into force . 
- Legal framework for the 
implementation of the service . 
- Awareness -raising for operators on 
the use of the service . 
- Establishment of a qualified and 
equipped call centre team to 
collect, process, and respond to 
comments and reque sts. 
Article 2.2  Consultations  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Support for the creation of a 
regulatory framework to 
implement a consultation 
mechanism . 
- Logistical and technical support for 
CNFE consultations .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices with respect to 
advance rulings . 
- Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Revision of the legal framework . 
- Implementation of effective 
infrastructure for the application in 
Madagascar of the advance ruling 
on origin and tariff classification . 
- Implementation of a regulatory 
framework on advance rulings . 
- Training and awareness -raising for 
the operators and author ities 
concerned on the application of 
advance rulings . 
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
  A - - - 
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notifications for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Establishment of a system for 
issuing notifications on enhanced 
controls and inspections of goods 
based on risk . 
- Training on  the SAFE framework of 
standards and other relevant 
international standards for 
technicians carrying out controls 
and inspections of goods . 
Article 5. 2 Detention  A - - - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Development of national quality 
standards and implementation of 
national accreditation and quality 
certification processes . 
- Review of the Standards Law .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Upgrading of the ICT infrastructure 
of the Madagascar Bureau of 
Standards (BNM) . 
- Specialized software s ervices for 
the new laboratory . 
- Establishment of a computerized 
system for enhanced export 
controls . 
- Establishment of a rapid alert 
system for imports . 
- Support for the accreditation of 
test laboratories . 
- Food technology laboratory at the 
Ministry of Agro -Industry and Food 
Security . 
- Modernization of animal health 
laboratories, including 
infrastructure and equipment, at 
the Ministry of Agro -Industry . 
- Provision of rapid food -testing 
equipment and usable elements for 
on-the-spot decision -making 
concerning the r elease of food 
consignments at the Ministry of 
Health and Quality of Life . 
- Strengthening of pest and disease 
diagnosis facilities at the Ministry 
of Agro -Industry and Food 
Security . 
- Provision of certified mobile 
laboratories . 
- Capacity building for the nati onal 
chemical and biological residues 
laboratory through the purchase of 
equipment, material and reagents, 
the enhanced implementation of 
diagnostic methods, increased 
staff training and strengthened 
laboratory infrastructure .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
     - Specialized software services for 
disease surveillance at the Ministry 
of Agro -Industry and Food 
Security . 
- Training and capacity building for 
officials at the Madagascar Bureau 
of Standards (BNM) with regard to 
test procedures and for 
technicians/laborator y 
researchers . 
- Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices . 
Awareness -raising for all 
stakeholders on procedures and 
regulations relating to test 
procedures . 
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6. 1 General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  C 31 December 2 025 To be determined  Recru itment of a consultancy firm 
for the : 
- Identification  and analysis of gaps 
in the legal frameworks and 
existing procedures  concerning 
fees and charges . 
- Updat ing and harmoniz ing of  the 
legal framework and procedures in 
line with the findings  of the 
above -mentioned analysis . 
- Development  of an institutional 
framework  for consultation s and 
coordination between all 
stakeholders with regard to  
Article 6.1. 
- Identif ication of  stakeholders ' 
infrastructure and training needs 
related to Article 6.1 . 
- Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices on stakeholder 
coordination within the 
institutional framework  with 
regard  to the transparenc y of fees   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
and charges imposed on 
import ation and export ation. 
- Awareness -raising  and 
communicat ion of  the regulations 
and proce dures related  to 
Article 6.1. 
- Establishment  and train ing of  a 
technical team of  qualified 
resource persons to manage  the 
enquiry  points for the entity 
concern ed. 
- Provision of  IT equipment, office 
space and furniture for the 
dedicated team . 
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  C 31 December 2 025 To be determined  Recruitment of a consultancy firm 
for the:  
- Identification and analysis of gaps 
in the legal frameworks and 
existing procedures concerning 
customs -related fees and charges . 
- Design and  harmoni zation of the 
customs -related legal framework 
and procedures  with a view to 
establishing a national policy . 
- Identification of the infrastructure 
and training needs of  each border 
area concerned  by the 
implementation of A rticle 6.2. 
- Benchmarking of best practices  
regarding fees and charges  for 
customs proc essing  in cooperation 
with other entities involved . 
- Provision of IT equipment, office 
space and furniture for the 
dedicated team . 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 31 December  2021 To be determined  - Performance of a regulatory audit 
on penalties . 
- Revision of regulations on 
penalties . 
- Coordination of action taken by the 
authorities concerned .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Revision of the legal framework . 
- Training and awareness -raising for 
strategic stakeholders in respect of 
pre-arrival processing . 
- Support for the development of 
customs information system 
software to automatically process 
declarations and documents prior 
to the arrival of goods . 
- Provision of the new ICT 
equipment needed for the 
inspections carried out by all 
competent border authorities . 
- Establishment of a network for 
border authorities through the 
customs information system . 
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Implementation of a legal 
framework for electronic payment . 
- Implementation of an electronic 
payment mechanism . 
- Awareness -raising for banks, 
operators and the competent 
authorities in respect of the 
electronic payment mechanism . 
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Revision of release -related 
regulations to facilitate the 
customs clearance of goods . 
- Provision of ultra -fast broadband . 
- Training for technicians and 
customs officials . 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Revision of the legal framework . 
- Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices on risk 
management .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Establishment of an appropriate 
infrastructure for border risk 
management . 
- Provision of the tools needed for 
risk management (drug detection 
scanners, explosives detectors, 
cameras, X-ray machines, drug 
testing kits, security equipment, 
sniffer dogs adapted to a tropical 
climate, utility vehicles, maritime 
patrol boats and other modern 
scanning and detection 
equipment) . 
- Capacity  building for resource 
persons with regard to risk 
management . 
- Establishment of a cross -border 
risk management team . 
- Awareness -raising in respect of 
risk management for all the 
national stakeholders concerned . 
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Revision of the legal framework . 
- Establishment of an appropriate 
infrastructure for the 
implementation of post -clearance 
controls in accordance with the 
recommendations of the 
World  Customs Organization . 
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  A - - - 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for 
Authorized Operators  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Training on the SAFE Framework . 
- Development of the National 
Authorized Economic Operators 
Programme . 
- Training and awareness -raising for 
border officials and traders .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
     - Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices regarding the 
National Authorized Economic 
Operators Programme and the 
Programme on Mutual Recognition 
Agreements . 
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Review of legal framework . 
- Support for the implementation of 
a cold chain at borders . 
- Training and awareness -raising for 
border officials and operators on 
expedited shipments . 
Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Strengthening of the border 
infrastructure necessary for the 
conservation of perishable 
foodstuffs . 
- Improvement of the legal 
framework governing the 
treatment of perishable goods . 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices for coordinated 
border management . 
- Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Implementation of the necessary 
technical infrastructure . 
- Awareness -raising for the strategic 
stakeholders concerned . 
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control  
  A - - - 
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Establishment of a national trade 
observatory . 
- Benchmarking for the assessment 
of best practices regarding the 
trade observatory .   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Preparation of a pocket guide or 
manual for importers and 
expor ters. 
- Harmonization of formalities and 
documentation requirements . 
- Alignment of formalities and 
documentation requirements with 
international standards and best 
practices . 
- Training and awareness -raising for 
border officials and authorities in 
respect of formalities and 
documentation requirements . 
Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Review of the legal framework . 
- Training for border officials and 
awareness -raising for operators . 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Technical and financial support for 
the Madagascar Bureau of 
Standards (BNM) to develop 
national standards based on the 
relevant international standards . 
- Revitalization of the National 
Standardization Council (CNN) . 
- Standardization of control and 
inspection laboratories . 
- Awareness -raising for members of 
the CNFE and operators in respect 
of technical barriers to trade . 
- Support for the participation of the 
BNM in the development and 
periodic review of standards by the 
relevant  international  
organizations . 
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for countries with 
an operational and effective 
national electronic single window . 
- Institutional anchoring of the 
National Electronic Single Window .   
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Technical and financial support for 
the establishment and 
operationalization of the National 
Electronic Single Window . 
- Capacity b uilding for the 
administrators of the National 
Electronic Single Window . 
- Awareness -raising for operators on 
the use of the National Electronic 
Single Window . 
- Maintenance and monitoring of the 
National Electronic Single Window . 
- Support for the activities of  the 
CNFE working group on the 
National Electronic Single Window . 
Article 10.5  Preshipment Inspection  A - - - 
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices . 
- Review of the legal framework . 
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking of countries with 
best practices on coordinated 
border management . 
- Review of the legal framework 
regarding procedures and 
documentation requirements at 
the border and harmonization of 
border authority regulations . 
- Training for border officials on 
standards t o be applied with 
regard to coordinated border 
management . 
- Awareness -raising for stakeholders 
on border regulations and 
procedures . 
Article 10.8  Rejected goods  A - - - 
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and 
Inward and Outward Processing  A - - -   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.2  
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Provision  Heading/ Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 11  Freedom of  Transit  
  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  To be determined  
Article 12  Customs Coop eration  
  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Technical assistance for the 
implementation of the National 
Customs Enforcement Network 
(nCEN) and the necessary 
infrastructure . 
 
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